Iteration

by Erin Symonds

Here is a tree

Here is this tree that has stood for a hundred years;

It has reached up, out

Become strong, gnarled

Wizened, beautiful…

But it’s the same old tree

Is it, not?

I can’t open myself up

And show you my years of growth,

My rings of power,

Though there have been many,

For I haven’t held onto them.

I have grown into newness

Inside the old.

Then when - usually before - I was ready,

I reached up, out

And, just as I could see a new light of a new day,

My exoskeleton

Slowly

Dissipated away.

I think of it fondly, sometimes

At the heartwood of me

The invisible connection is there,

The dreamlike whisper of memory

Of the iteration who went before.

But it is not me

I am not it

I was it

But now

It is not

Who I am

Anymore.

Beautiful Autumn

by Erin Symonds

Oh my beautiful autumn…

How I’ve fallen for your change.

Yet capturing your spirit,

My attempts are all in vain.

Your glossy, gleaming grey wood,

Your green ferns fresh from the rain,

Your slowly, fluttering leaves,

And grand colour explosion -

When you burn yourself away.

I take a picture - no good.

I try again and again.

You soothe me… pitter patter,

Your calm and gentle refrain.

Yes, you know things lose their shine.

And while I cannot hold you

In my hand and make you mine,

My heart can still see, one path

Is to continue to try;

The other is just to be,

And enjoy the autumn time.

Only Romance

by Erin Symonds

The sun grows larger in the sky,

Wind whispers the river along.

The little waves, they dance and sigh,

Spurred onwards by sweetest bird song.

The ground is still awash with dew -

Morning’s magic fairy tale spell -

The petals shimmer pink and blue,

As flower blossoms plump and swell.

The weeping willows stand and bow,

Their leaves caress the mossy stone

Of gard’ners who once wondered how

To tame the earth with plough and hoe.

But only romance does remain

Since nature tangles lovers’ hearts,

With feathered fingers, writes their names,

And binds them so they shan’t depart.

Yes, now the world seems sapphire still

Bright crystal clearness all around,

Oh never leave! This moment will

Grow longingly whilst dreams abound.

Road of Silver

by Erin Symonds

Road of silver,

Trees of gold,

Clouds I could reach out and hold.

Leaves are spinning,

On the wind;

Ochre, russet, amber trimmed.

Sun is blinding,

Then, away!

Head towards the sky of grey.

Water pelting

Temple Tor,

Mist descends upon the moor.

Tree of Me

by Erin Symonds

What is this magic transporting the twinkle to my eye,

Or the look of calm contentment to my face?

And clear pool-like reflections of the blue and frosted sky,

And sunshine’s warm and tangible embrace?

There rests a deep-felt knowledge that mere money cannot buy,

A tiny seedling planted long ago;

A tree of love and friendship that started out so shy,

That now springs forth with sureness and resolve.

Dear friends you are the gard’ners; keepers of my tree of life,

You’ve nourished me with sun and air and rain.

When I was small you sheltered me from wild and worldly storms,

And even now you help me on my way.

Because of you my branches grew, both far-reaching and strong,

And I’m not afraid to seek a higher height.

And when my leaves lack lustre, just one gentle smile from you

Has made them shine like diamonds in the light.

So take these words my dear ones, and plant them in your hearts,

And know I am so grateful for your love.

And if you ever need me, please know that I am here,

And this tree of me will always lift you up.